Scythes and Sickles - review

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Sycthes are two-handed clearing tools predominantly used for cutting away grass and weeds. A scythe can also be used to harvest grain crops and spinach. The handle of a scythe is known the snath. The cutting motion of a scythe is a rotating, sweeping motion. There are powerful reasons to consider using a scythe over a strimmer. Using a scythe makes no noise, no pollution, and, once you have mastered the art of using the tool, may well be quicker than using and maintaining a power tool. Furthermore, scythes are less bulky to store and look infinitely more elegant.

Hand-forged Austrian scythes are recognised as the best quality sycthes. These scythes are lighter than English and American blades with a thinner (and consequently lighter) blade. A lighter blade in turn means that the snath can be lighter. The Austrian scythe is suitable for cutting plants of up to a year's growth, though is not suitable for cutting woody growth.

Keep the blade of your scythe sharp as this will minimise the effort required to cut.

The Sickle is a similar tool to a sycthe but is a one-handed tool. The gardener must bend over to use a sickle, unlike a scythe. The sickle has the advantage that it can be used in smaller spaces where there would not be room to swing a scythe.

• over 1 year ago Anonymous said

  where would i purchase a carborundem stone for sharpening sickles and scythes?

• almost 2 years ago Anonymous said

  For the sickle: It should be pointed out that you need to hold the bunch of grass or plants to be cut in one hand, whilst using the sickle in your other hand to saw through them towards you. Both scythes and sickles are dangerously sharp tools and one should probably think about using some sort of leg protection (shin guards or thick trousers) before using for the first time.

• about 2 years ago Anonymous said

  it was relly fun learning how these tools work thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

• about 2 years ago Anonymous said

  thanks for this website it relly helped me with my homework thanks alot!!!!!!!